Sydney is home to some excellent salons. With world-class facial treatments available almost anywhere – from suburban shopping centres to designer dermatologists. So, why would I make the trek to the state’s Southern Highlands to try another one? Melodramatic headline aside (it’s actually only an hour and half drive on the motorway), perhaps it’s the fact that this one uses the kind of techniques that Margot Robbie swears by. Did I leave looking like Barbie? Not exactly. But, was the Intrinsic Illumination Infusion Facial still worth the price of petrol to get my skin tended to at Sir Donald Bradman’s place of birth. Absolutely! Here’s why.

Isabella Loneragan: From Sydney to the Southern Highlands (via the City of Love)

So your facialist may be smart, but is she “holds a psychology degree” sharp?

Isabella Loneragan is a skin care superwoman. As well as some very impressive tertiary education credentials (the psychology qualifications don’t seem so crazy when one considers the connection between mental health and skin conditions!) she also holds almost two decades of experience working in dermatology, plastic surgery and cosmeceutical formulating. Internationally trained in South Africa, London, Paris, and New Zealand, the award-winning Skin and Dermal Therapist is Australia’s first Buccal and Sculptural Lifting Specialist. And, one of nation’s few facialists trained in the ancient techniques of Japanese Kobido and Chinese Chuanzhi acupressure.

For decades, Isabella ran the hugely popular clinic The Dermal Diary in North Sydney. However her quest for a low-key life lead her to the Southern Highlands. Where she currently lives with her hubby, two kids and the most beautiful dog in Bowral – to open a private clinic called Isabella Loneragan Skin (IL Skin).

Here, Isabella is renowned for her offering of bespoke intuitive facial treatments- especially her trademarked master treatments. Most recently these have included the Intrinsic Illumination Infusion.

All about the Intrinsic Illumination Infusion Facial

Isabella sparked considerable attention when she became Australia’s first Buccal and Sculptural Lifting Specialist with the launch of The Intrinsic Facial in 2019. Now, she has upped the ante with the introduction of her next game-changing facial treatment: The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion.

This indulgent facial masterpiece unites the artistry of traditional Japanese Kobido, Chinese Chuanzhi acupressure movements, Russian-derived Buccal massage, and sculptural lifting techniques. To deliver a transformative facial experience exclusive to Isabella Loneragan Skin.

According to Isabella, “The external effects of this facial are remarkable with a radiant afterglow that’s visibly evident. But, moreover, The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion is a next-level treatment with long-lasting benefits that extend to the body’s internal organs. It’s a treatment that is beyond calming; it’s soul-soothing. It works both inside and outside through sensory stimulation.”

Key Techniques of The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion

This facial is designed to rejuvenate skin and enhance overall wellbeing through the powerful techniques of Buccal massage, Kobido, and Chuanzhi Chinese acupressure points.

Buccal Massage

A technique that targets the muscles inside of the mouth, stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness, and promoting a more contoured facial structure. It’s a reported favourite of celebrities like Margot Robbie, Kate Moss, and Meghan Markle.

Kobido

Commonly referred to as ‘the facelift without surgery’ and a known favourite of Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow, Kobido is a bioenergetic ancestral Japanese facial massage technique over 540 years in practice. It involves precise movements in the face and neck to improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and increase collagen production.

Chuanzhi Chinese Acupressure Points

This ancient Chinese technique uses accupressure to target specific points of the face believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. For instance, stimulating points around the eyes benefits the liver, while points below the cheeks influence the lungs. This holistic approach enhances facial skin appearance and supports the body’s natural healing abilities.

So, did anyone confuse me for Margot Robbie?

Stepping into Isabella’s sanctuary was certainly a sweeter experience than your standard sterile salon. As well as the warmth of her own branded candles, Isabella’s charming nature was quick to ease my anxieties and insecurities about my inflamed skin.

After asking a few questions about my current lifestyle (everything from what I snack on to the supplements I take), Isabella commenced my consultation with a skin analysis. Where it was found that pigmentation was my primary facial concern.

Following this, the Intrinsic Illumination Infusion started with a cleanse and steam. Followed by a gentle five-minute exfoliation using a Ragan Skin exfoliant. One of the products from Isabella’s own range, that featured fruit extracts that naturally dissolve dead skin cells, instead of aggressively scrubbing them away. The treatment also included a vitamin C serum, LED light and silky smooth foundation to finish. And, while every single one was spectacular (special shoutout to the lovely lemongrass-scented Vit C!) the real star of this show is Isabella’s own hands. Which I could feel dancing over my derm as I drifted away.

While I couldn’t keep up with the counts, Isabella later revealed that this features up to 50 carefully considered moves. Designed to improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, stimulate blood flow, reduce tension and puffiness, and increase collagen production. To ultimately result in a firmer looking face and achieve a more youthful appearance.

Did I walk away looking like Margot Robbie? Given that Isabella touts this treatment as a truly holistic one (and by reason, does not prioritise Before and After shots) I don’t think I will be confused as an Academy award nominee any time soon. (No. That’s not me in the main feature image!). However, did I walk away feeling like my skin was tighter, my smile a bit brighter, and the sway in my step a whole lot lighter knowing I had released a tonne of negative energy from my face? Let’s just say if there was an audition for Barbie Does Bowral, I would definitely be in the running!